Skating Toward the Future: An Interview with Seattle Torrent Reserve Sydney Langseth

I’m thrilled to share today’s post — an interview with someone who holds a special place in Minnesota’s hockey story and in my own hometown pride: Sydney Langseth. Sydney grew up in Eden Prairie, where she joined the varsity program as an eighth grader and went on to play five standout seasons, including helping the Eagles capture the 2016 Class 2A Girls’ State Championship.

After high school, she became a key contributor at Minnesota State Mankato, finishing her college career sixth in all-time scoring with 90 points, 162 games played (a program record), and 36 goals. This fall, Sydney earned an invitation to Seattle Torrent training camp — and secured a reserve spot with the team.

Despite her busy schedule, Sydney generously took the time to chat about her hockey journey, the lessons she’s carried with her, and what life is like as a reserve player in the PWHL. I’m excited for you to get to know her story.

Growing Up in Minnesota Hockey Culture

To start, I asked Sydney about her Minnesota roots and how growing up in the State of Hockey shaped her love for the game.

Growing up in Minnesota, how did our state’s passion for hockey shape your love for the game?
I think growing up in Minnesota enhanced my passion for the game that much more. In Minnesota, we are lucky because hockey is everywhere and it’s a part of the culture here. When you have multiple communities backing their teams, and supporting one another, it makes the game much more competitive, which also makes it that much more fun to be a part of. I fell in love with the game from when I first started playing, which was probably around the age of six. I don’t think my parents knew exactly what they were getting themselves into at the time, or just how incredible and whirlwind-like the journey would turn out to be for all of us. Hockey is typically not a sport you can pursue alone and I would not be where I am today, both in life and in hockey, without my family’s support. So, while Minnesota’s passion for the game helped shape my love for it, it was my family who gave me the opportunity to truly pursue that passion, and for that I am extremely grateful.

Joining Eden Prairie Varsity as an Eighth Grader

Next, we talked about her early jump to high school hockey and what it was like joining Eden Prairie’s varsity program as an eighth grader.

You joined Eden Prairie’s varsity program as an 8th grader, which is impressive. What did you learn from playing so many seasons at that level, and what was your favorite part of high school hockey in Minnesota?
Thank you! I think I was lucky to get the opportunity to learn early on from that senior class when I was an eighth grader. They instilled the team-first mantra into our team and since then I have tried to lead with that same mindset. I also think we had a great group of girls to come out of our High School Hockey Program. I built relationships with people that I still have today and will continue to have for a very long time. I was part of a team that built each other up, and when I was an eighth grader, the upperclassmen were beyond welcoming and treated me so well. That allowed me to feel comfortable being the youngest one on the team. So, I think experiencing these things made me want to pay it back to younger girls in the future when I was eventually in the upperclassmen’s shoes; It’s important how you treat people.

My favorite part of high school hockey in Minnesota is the State Tournament; I don’t think there is much like it. Winning that tournament my eighth-grade year was such a great moment, and it is one I will never forget!

College Career at Minnesota State Mankato

From there, I wanted to learn more about her college experience and what drew her to Minnesota State Mankato.

You had a successful college career at Minnesota State Mankato. What made you choose that school, and what did you enjoy most about your time there?
There were a lot of different factors that went into my decision to pick MN State. I really wanted to play in the WCHA, the coaching staff was important to me, how the facilities were, and what type of culture the program had were all taken into consideration. After talking with Coach Harrington, I really loved what he had to say, and from there, I was able to tour the school and the hockey facilities. It felt like an all-around great fit for me, and it was a bonus that it wasn’t too far from home. It was really nice that my family had the ability to come watch most of my games. Overall, the facilities spoke for themselves, and I loved the type of team culture Coach Harrington was in the process of building.

What I enjoyed most about my time there was definitely the team. Again, I lucked out because we had so many great girls who were so kind and they all felt like my home away from home. I feel so fortunate for all the memories I made with them in my five years there, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Favorite Hockey Memories

I also asked Sydney to reflect on her hockey journey so far and share the moments that stand out most.

Looking back on your hockey playing career so far, is there one favorite game, moment, or memory that stands out most?
Looking back on my hockey playing career so far, I think I would have to break up my favorite moments into three parts. High school was winning the state tournament. College was the Hockey Day MN game in Mankato because I always wanted to play in Hockey Day MN growing up, so that was a really cool experience. Lastly, the home opener for the Seattle Torrent (which was not too long ago). Having my name announced and skating out on the ice in front of more than 16,000 fans was incredible. It felt surreal, not just for me and everything I’ve worked for, but also as a reminder of how far Women’s hockey has come. I felt genuinely grateful to be part of it.

Life as a PWHL Reserve Player

With her recent move into the professional world, I was excited to hear what life has been like as a reserve player for the Seattle Torrent.

Congratulations again on being named a reserve for the Seattle Torrent! For readers who may not know, what does being a reserve player involve? Do you practice and travel with the team, and how have your first few weeks been?
Being a reserve player involves doing everything with the team except for playing games and traveling. This includes workouts, practices, meetings, video, etc. Essentially, we are ready to go if someone were to get injured or if the coach decides they want you in the lineup.

Overall, my first few weeks have been good, and it has been fun getting to know the team more and more. Every day is high paced and very competitive, which has been hard work, but also a lot of fun!

Advice for Young Minnesota Players

Finally, I asked Sydney what guidance she’d offer to young girls in Minnesota who dream of playing in the PWHL someday.

What advice would you give to young girls in Minnesota who dream of playing in the PWHL someday?
The advice I would give to young girls in Minnesota would be to work hard when no one’s watching, but also to enjoy what you are doing every day. It may feel like a long road to the PWHL but take it one day at a time and don’t take any of it for granted. After all, this didn’t exist a generation or two ago, which puts it all into perspective!

A huge thank you again to Sydney for taking the time to share her story and insights. Her journey — from Eden Prairie rinks to the PWHL — is a reminder of how far the women’s game has come and how many doors are opening for the next generation. While I’m certainly not wishing injuries on anyone, I’m hopeful we’ll get to see Sydney suit up for the Torrent this season. No matter what, she’s already making Minnesota proud.